AUGUST 2020
THE
FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
THE OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF ------
TORCH
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Rep. John Lewis 1940 - 2020
Necessary Good Trouble The Mu Lambda Torch January 2019 MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG
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Front Cover Picture by Names 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Rudolph Harris Curtis Hunigan Fred Valentine Horace Dawson, Jr. Paul Cotton A. Gilbert Douglas Ryland Harris Mark Jones Andre Lucas Kenneth Hobart Derrick Butts John Mark-Williams Jeremy Triplett Mikael LaRoche Joseph Housey, III Jason Clark
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
Mark Ross Louis Ford James Heck Eddie Neal Gerard Williams Garrett Miller Adrian James O. Jackson Cole, Jr. Albert Williams Lucius Brown Marcel Desroches Kellen Moore Jamison Taylor, Jr. Mathew Aaron, Jr. Sean Perkins James Harmon
33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.
Larry Ware Frank King Antonio King Rudolph McGann, Jr. Alvin Reaves, III Ryle Bell Drew Love Colin Campbell Bryant Young Arthur King Charvis Campbell LeRoy Lowery, III Joseph Paul Timothy Fitzgerald Jason Jefferson Samuel Armstrong
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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In this Issue
Charter Members Past Presidents
Cover 1 Front Cover Picture by Names 2 In this Issue, Charter Members, Past Presidents 3 Executive Board, The Presidents’ Message 4 Committee Chairs & Message from House of Ruth Committee 5 Alphaversary and Birthday 6 Mu Lambda was awarded a check 7 Congratulations to Bro. Willis Lozer 8 Message from the Chaplain 9 Michael Collins, the Man Beside Rep. John Lewis 10 Congressman John Lewis at Mu Lambda’s Congressional Black Caucus events throughout the years 12 C.T.Vivian 13 Alpha Wives Scholarship campaign 14 Alpha Phi Alpha Way 16 The Jewel Lounge 17 Literary Society 18 Food, Dessert and Drink of the Month 19 Frat Facts Part 4 21 Advertise with us 22 Domino’s 23 Everything Co-op Radio Show 24 AKSTAR Apparel 25 East State Street Band 26 Exit Realty: Brother Albert A. Williams 27 Financial Planning Needs Prostate Cancer a Family Affair 28 The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here 29 Chapter App by Publicall Telecommunications 30 Message from the Editor 31 Esprit de Fraternite
Arthur Curtis* Merrill H. Curtis* Victor R. Daly* Eugene L. C. Davidson* Arnold Donawa* Walter Garvin* William L. Hansberry* Charles H. Houston* Edward Howard* Joseph R. Jones* R. Frank Jones* J Edward Lowery* Clarence H. Mills* Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray* Norman L. McGhee* FN4 Jewel Robert Harold Ogle* Louis H. Russell* James N. Saunders* Emory B. Smith* Harold C. Stratton* J.H.N. Waring* Charles H. Wesley* FN3
CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C. FN1 6th General President 1915-1916 FN2 General Secretary 1915-1916 7th General President 1916-1917 FN3 14th General President 1931-1940 FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926 FN5 8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953 FN6 23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001 Executive Director MLK Memorial
1. Harold Stratton* 1923-1924 2. Howard H. Long* FN2 3. Charles H. Wesley* 1926-1928 4. Frank Adams* 5. R. Frank Jones* 6. James B. Browning* 7. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* FN1 8. U. Simpson Tate* 9. Claude Ferebee* 10. George O. Butler* 11. C.C. House* 1938-1940 12. Verdie L. Robinson* 13. Walter M. Booker* FN5 14. Jack Bond* 15. Millard R. Dean* 16. Frank Davis* 17. Clifton Hardy* 18. Herman Johnson* 19. Howard Jenkins* 20. C.C. House* 1952-1954 21. William F. Nelson* 22. Aubrey E. Robinson* 23. Joseph Waddy* 24. Edward J. Austin* 25. Elgy Johnson* 1964-1965 26. George H. Windsor* 1965-1967 27. James T. Speight* 1967-1969 28. Harold Sims* 1969-1970 29. Eddie L. Madison* 1970-1972 30. Wilbur Sewell* 1972-1974 31. Charles Walker Thomas* 1974-1976 32. Theodore Taylor* 1976-1978 33. Elmer Moore* 1978-1981 34. William E. Calbert* 1981-1983 35. Osmond Brown* 1983-1986 36. Vernon Gill 1986-1988 37. LeRoy Lowery, III 1988-1990 38. Morris Hawkins* 1990-1992 39. C.C. Jones 1992-1995 40. Vincent Orange 1995-1997 41. Melvin White 1997-1999 42. LeRoy Lowery, III FN6 1999-2001 43. James Haynes 2001-2002 44. Rudolph Harris* 2002-2004 45. Edwin Norwood 2004-2006 46. James McDonald 2006-2008 47. Timothy Fitzgerald 2008-2010 48. Kwame Ulmer 2010-2011 49. LeRoy Lowery, III 2011-2013 50. Eddie Neal 2013-2015 51. LeRoy Lowery, III 2015-2017 52. Joel Grey 2017-2018 53. Eddie Neal 2018-2020 54. John “Tony” Wilson 2020-
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)
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Executive Board President John “Tony” Wilson Vice President Mikael LaRoche Recording Secretary Jason Jefferson Corresponding Secretary Samuel Armstrong Financial Secretary Vernon Oakes Treasurer Michael Young Chaplain William “Tony” Hawkins Historian Silas J Woods Archivist James Harmon Intake Coordinator Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Kenneth A. Williams Dir. Ed. Activities Sean Perkins Sergeant-at-Arms Malcolm Carter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The President’s Message Greetings Brothers Without any doubt the year 2020 continues to be one of the most challenging years in the modern history of the world. It has been the perfect storm of unimaginable hardship and lose. None of us have been unaffected. Yet it is adversity that can add clarity and focus to one’s purpose in life. And most importantly motivate and maintain continuous action. This is applicable to us as Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and more specifically as members of the Mu Lambda Chapter. I recall a recent discussion during one of the virtual weekly Alpha Phi Alpha History Book study sessions regarding what would a response be to a hypothetical question. This generated additional thoughts, questions and responses. Are we a civil rights organization? Are we a charitable organization? Etc. etc. We know our mission statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. I think it is the focused application of our mission statement by each of us that makes us all of these things and more. We are indispensable for the betterment of humankind not because we say we are but because of what we do. And as a by-product we gain the betterment of ourselves as individuals. I started this message to you all acknowledging the challenges of 2020. I want to end this message with you Brothers reflecting on all the real positive changes, examples of inspirational human growth and action in spite of it all. That is where we the men of the Mu Lambda Chapter reside. Fraternally, Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Parliamentarian Gilbert Douglass Web Master Albert Williams Editor of the Torch Kenneth A. Williams Member at Large LeRoy Lowery III Risk Management Officer Mikael E. LaRoche Immediate Past President Eddie Neal
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Committee Chairs Auditing Vacant Brother’s Keeper Carlos DeBose Budget and Finance Vernon Oakes Communication and Technology Albert Williams Constitution Gilbert Douglas DC National Pan Hellenic Council Vacant
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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Message from the House of Ruth Committee Thanks to the Mu Lambda chapter for sponsoring the July meal for the House of Ruth and the Beta Chapter Alumni Association, Inc. for sponsoring the August 2020 Dinner at the House of Ruth
Fundraising Vacant Golf Tournament Vacant Health & Wellness Alvin L. Reaves, III Membership Kobina Yanka Men Who Cook Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Silas Woods III Nominating Vacant Programs Joseph Gibbs Public Policy Rudolph McGann Social Joseph Gibbs Community Service Samuel Armstrong Marketing/Promotion Committee Vacant Social Media Committee Vacant AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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There were no brothers initiated in the month of August
Happy Birthday Mark K. Jones Derrick A. Butts Clyde Blassengale Juan H. Powell Andre R. Lucas Patrick J. Major James R. Heck, IV Justen Baskerville Michael E. Collins Silas Woods Anthony B. Campbell, Sr. Richard A. English
August 3rd August 4th August 10th August 11th August 14th August 15th August 16th August 20th August 20th August 28th August 28th August 29th
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Mu Lambda was awarded a check from the General Organization by General President Everett B. Ward for our work with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation on July 22, 2020.
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Mu Lambda sends its Congratulations to Bro. Willis Lonzer
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Message from the Chaplain Brother Michael Collins Mu Lambda sends its sympathy to Brother Michael Collins while he mourns the loss of Congressman John Lewis. Brother Collins entered the house of Alpha through the Mu Lambda Chapter. Brother Collins served as Chief of Staff to the late Congressman Lewis who he faithfully served over two decades. Mu Lambda also sends Brother Collins well wishes as he celebrates his birthday, Thursday, August 20, 2020. Brother Collins has been a faithful Mu Lambda member. Although he was busy with the congressman, he always found time to take calls and assist the chapter when asked. He ensured the congressman was in attendance at all Mu Lambda Congressional Black Caucus events.
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
EDITORIAL: Michael Collins, the Man Beside Rep. John Lewis WI Editorial Staff July 29, 2020 Link: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/editorial-michael-collins-the-man-beside-rep-john-lewis/ Congressman John Lewis will be laid to rest Thursday in Atlanta and buried alongside his wife, Lillian, who died eight years ago. Family, colleagues and friends will fill Ebenezer Baptist Church where his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once pastored. This marks the final homegoing celebration, following a week of others in Troy, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, and Washington, D.C. Thousands of admirers lined streets in every city as Lewis’ hearse passed by, holding signs and honoring his mantra: “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.”
a Master of Social Work from Boston College and an MBA from Emory University. Thanks to the Congressional Black Caucus, a cadre of African Americans have been tapped to serve on Capitol Hill where congressional leaders are often criticized for their lack of diversity. Collins was among them, and wherever you saw Congressman Lewis, Collins was never far behind, beside or leading him. It was Collins who had to correct the false story that Lewis passed away in early July, and it was Collins who reached out to members of Congress and others to let them know of his death on July 17 from pancreatic cancer. Collins’ name is called out by many who are offering words of condolences to the family and staff of the late congressman. And he is often seen in the background in the media coverage of the hearse, watching over the congressman’s body as he did for the past 21 years. A close look at their relationship is reflected in Dawn Porter’s documentary, “John Lewis: Good Trouble.” It’s at times like these when a good leader is shown to us by their ability to follow and to lead when called upon. We predict that Collins, who’s enviable opportunity to have walked with John Lewis for the past 21 years, will serve us all well going forward. We have not spoken to him, but we honor him and thank him for his service, and we wish him well!
All along the trip to Lewis’ resting place has been a young man who has ridden and stood by him for more than 21 years. Like John-Miles, Lewis’s son, Michael Collins was Lewis’ other son in spirit while he officially served as the congressman’s chief of staff since 2000. A graduate of Morehouse College, and a native of Boston, Collins began his career with Rep. Lewis in 1999 as his floor assistant, while he also received AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
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Congressman John Lewis at Mu Lambda’s Congressional Black Caucus events through the years.
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Rep. John Lewis at Mu Lambda’s Congressional Black Caucus Event on the years continued
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Farewell Dear Brother
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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For questions, contact alphawivesdc@gmail.com
The Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc. Presents
“Support Our Scholarship Campaign”
Even during a pandemic, the Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc. will continue the more than 50-year legacy of providing scholarships to minority students in the District of Columbia. This campaign is in lieu of the annual Card Party, the primary fundraising activity for youth scholarships.
You can help by donating to this campaign that extends from:
July 1, 2020 to September 15, 2020 The donation categories are below:
$50
$25
Other
To make your donation, please click the following link: https://support-our-scholarship-campaign.eventbrite.com In the alternative, you may mail your check to: Treasurer, Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc., 5061 MacArthur Blvd, NW Washington, DC 20016. Please include in the memo section “Scholarship Campaign”. The Alpha Wives will highlight all donors in a virtual event that goes live on October 15, 2020 along with our 2020 scholarship recipients.
Donate Today You can still make a difference in the lives of our youth.
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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Coming October 1, 2020: Alpha Phi Alpha Way
Proposed: Alpha Phi Alpha Way AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA WAY AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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The Jewels’ Lounge Mu Lambda Chapter Jewels’ Lounge Welcome to the Jewels’ Lounge where brothers gather, sit amongst the Jewels and reflect upon life in Alpha.
Jewel Callis
Jewel Jones
Jewel Murray
It is a place that allow brothers the opportunity to relax, read The Torch, Sphinx, history book and/or engage in that good ole ALPHA SPIRIT. Brother Silas Woods, III, Historian Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Jewel Kelley
Jewel Tandy
Jewel Chapman
Jewel Ogle
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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Greeting Brothers,
Volume I
Lesson
The 2019-2020 fraternal year has been dedicated to rediscovering our brotherhood. We serve the community, but we have been neglecting our bond of brotherhood.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
The Origin of Alpha Phi Alpha The Period of Consolidation The First Steps in Expansion Local and National Strivings Permanent Foundations Expansion and Internal Development The Leaven of Self-Examination The War Interlude A Definite Program The Crowning Years Advancement in Spite of the Depression The Widening Social Program Education and War A Militant Liberalism The Concept of Progress The Golden Anniversary Shaping the Future on the Basis of the Past The Continuing Challenge New Goals for Old Social Purpose and Social Action
Since Tuesday, April 21st, Mu Lambda has hosted the Mu Lambda Literary Society, every week at 7:00 pm. The Mu Lambda Literary Society is a Mu Lambda initiative, where we come together as brothers and discuss the two volume Alpha history book over a period of months. It will be facilitated by a different brother each week. Brothers can participate via Zoom. We will start with volume 1, chapter 1 of the twenty second printing of the history book and conclude with volume 2, chapter 8. There are twenty chapters in volume 1 and eight chapters in volume 2.
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX
This is totally voluntary. If you are interested, participate for the weeks that you can. You are not required to purchase the new history book. Brother Robert L. Harris, Volume II Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II is Chapter I participating in the sessions. Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
Date Apr 21 Apr 28 Apr 28 May 5 May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 30 Jul 7 Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 11
Lesson
Date
Back to Basics Achieving Tomorrow: An Agenda for the 80’s Strengthening Internal Capacity for Greater Service Facing Our Future with a Future The Alpha Renaissance: Rekindling the Spirit of Leadership and Community Service Vision 2000: The Light of a New Day Alpha Attitude: A Forward Step… Into the Future A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha
Aug 18 Aug 25 Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Oct 6
Fraternally, John Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Grilled Chicken Ratatouille
in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Step 6 Meanwhile, transfer the grilled vegetables to a cutting board and chop into 1-inch pieces. Return to the bowl and toss with vinegar and the remaining herb mixture. Serve the grilled chicken with the ratatouille. Brother Derrick A. Butts
Ingredients • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram • 1 teaspoon salt • Canola or olive oil cooking spray • 1 red bell pepper, halved lengthwise, stemmed and seeded • 1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inchthick rounds • 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise • 4 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise • 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (about 1 1/4 pounds), trimmed and tenders removed (see Note) • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar Directions Step 1 Preheat grill to medium-high. Step 2 Combine oil, basil, marjoram and salt in a small bowl and reserve 1 tablespoon of the mixture in another small bowl; set aside. Step 3 Coat both sides of bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, tomato and onion pieces with cooking spray. Grill the vegetables, turning once, until soft and charred in spots, about 5 minutes per side for the pepper, 4 minutes per side for the eggplant and zucchini and 3 minutes per side for the tomatoes and onion. Step 4 As the vegetables finish cooking, place them in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Step 5 Rub the tablespoon of reserved herb mixture on both sides of chicken and sprinkle with pepper. Grill the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
Key Lime Daiquiri Pound Cake
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
vanilla extract and lemon juice. • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn it out onto wire rack. While warm, prick top of cake with toothpick. Pour Key Lime Daiquiri Glaze over warm cake. Cool completely. • To make Key Lime Daiquiri Glaze: In small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons key lime juice. Bring to boil. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons rum. Brother Garrett Miller
Frozen Blue Moscato Margaritas Ingredients • 1 cup Butter, with salt • ½ cup Shortening, household, soybean (hydrogenated)-cottonseed (hydrogenated) • 2 cups Sugars, granulated • 5 Egg, whole, • 3 cups Wheat flour, white, all-purpose, enriched, bleached • ½ teaspoon Baking Powder • 1 cup Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, with added vitamin A • 2 tablespoons Alcoholic beverage, distilled, rum, 80 proof • 1 tablespoon key lime zest • 2 teaspoons key lime juice • 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon Lemon juice, raw • ¼ cup Sugars, granulated • ¼ cup Butter, with salt • 2 tablespoons key lime juice • 3 tablespoons Alcoholic beverage, distilled, rum, 80 proof Directions • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan. Mix together the flour and baking powder. • In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup shortening and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in 2 tablespoons rum, key lime zest, 2 teaspoons key lime juice,
Ingredients • 1 tbsp. granulated sugar • 1 tbsp. kosher salt • Lime wedges • 5 c. ice, plus more if necessary • 1 c. moscato • 3/4 c. blue Curaçao • 1/2 c. tequila • 1/4 c. triple sec • 2 tbsp. lime juice • Fresh blueberries, for serving Directions 1. In a small dish, combine sugar and salt. Rim mason jars with lime wedge then dip in sugar-salt mixture. 2. Combine moscato, Curaçao, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in blender. Add ice and blend until smooth. (If the mixture is too loose, add more ice and continue to blend.) 3. Divide mixture between 4 glasses. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh blueberries. In Memory of Rep. John Lewis Brother Kenneth Williams
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FRAT FUN PART 4 THE BROTHERS OF MU LAMBDA CHAPTER Another group of brothers with whom I have had the privilege to associate, are the brothers of Omicron Eta Lambda. They are a special group of brothers who by virtue of the smaller size of the chapter are a very cohesive and unified group, or it is that way more often than not. Chapter meetings with these august brothers have been events all their own. In the early years of the chapter circa 1990, the chapter met on the campus of Howard University’s main campus in the school of Human Ecology building. The meeting room was a small auditorium that swept downwards via precipitous steps from the entrance to the stage. If you ran through the entrance unwittingly, you might easily plunge downwards into a steep decline of steps which might be hazardous to your health. A small platform at the entrance was where the brothers would locate the repast, so as you entered the room, the repast was the first thing that was evident. Two or more brothers every month provided the repast. Resplendent on the table were always several bottles of liquor ranging from Cold Duck and Boones Farm wine to more eclectic tastes, strategically located beyond the food. It was not beyond the realm of possibility to see Mad dog 2020 or Thunderbird on occasion. These brothers were, for the most part, still on an upward career ascent and their tastes did not rival Mu Lambda’s at this time. The brothers always arrived an hour before the meeting and congregated in the area of the repast. Often times the food would arrive late but since most brothers brought the liquor, it was always early and in abundance. There was much quaffing of oaken distillates and fruit of the vine prior to the call to order than was prudent, thus most often, many of the brothers would be in various stages of inebriation which sometimes lasted throughout the entire meeting! Imagine their descent down the stairs to their seats in this condition. The call to order was literally that, the quieting of a near riotous group by a President who was a teetotaler. Parliamentary procedures a la Roberts Rules or those invented were often invoked, obtuse and unrelated arguments were the order of the day and frequent hilarious outbursts were common. The odd overheated communication between two brothers both several
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sheets into the wind had to be occasionally mediated much to the delight of all! The beleaguered President then mandated that no alcohol be served at chapter meetings which resulted in such opprobrium and vituperation directed at him that he had to relent. He then ordered that the repast be served at the end of the meeting to attenuate the alcoholic distraction. This resulted in the shortest meetings in creation, ever held by any chapter in any fraternity! Somehow they got business done and quickly moved to destroy several quarts of alcohol as well as consume immeasurable quantities of the African diasporic highly revered gallus gallus domesticus, to the extent that Church’s Chicken almost had to close its doors! Greater brotherhood has never prevailed anywhere! Fortunately for me, Mu Lambda meetings were on the first Thursday of the month, and OHL’s were the third Friday, so I had time to recuperate from both! Around this time, I chose to purchase a seven seater Plymouth voyager van which quickly became the mode of transportation to regional conventions for the brothers of OHL. Always present were Brothers Norris Carey who insisted on riding beside me in the captain’s passenger seat. As a result he was dubbed, “The seeing eye dog!” Most often the other seats were occupied by Brothers Frank Porter, Ray Spears, Gregory Taylor, Sam Wilson. If one or two of those brothers were not attending the convention, others brothers like Bob Warren or Scott Dantley and on occasion Brother Zollie Stevenson would join us. No one wanted Brother Carey to pour them a drink, because it would be either a full eight ounce cup of straight liquor or 99% alcohol and 1% chaser. As driver this often presented a severe challenge and I would often not even complete one drink in a three hour trip! On one particularly memorable drive to a regional convention in Newport News, they drove their cars to my home in Springfield, Virginia and we all boarded the van. Before leaving, drinks were poured all around. Within five minutes of departure, Brother Wilson had left us for nirvana and slept thereafter, all the way to Newport News. Much heated fraternal discussion was a common component and after about an hour Brother Spears complained that his drink was disappearing very rapidly and he could not tell why. On close inspection, it was discovered that the bottom of his paper cup had become perforated and that whenever he poured a drink, most of it ended in his lap! After replacement of the cup and his feeble attempt to desiccate his genitalia, important discussions continued! Continued on the next page
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FRAT FUN PART 4 continued We would often stop for a meal on the way down and it always would seem that more people were always trying to get back into the van than had disembarked. Being the designated driver, I always maintained a modicum of decorum as my task was to deliver all safely and uneventfully, which I always did. These trips led to a copious accumulation of alcohol stored either in my room or Brother Street’s room, he joined us later, which quickly became the brotherhood watering hole. To this day, Brothers from all over the country during general conventions and other meetings congregate in Brother Street’s or my room after hours for frat discussions and erudite fraternal pronouncements. Several General Presidential candidates and Regional Officers have gathered to join in the discourse and many a Presidential candidate has been influenced to amend or alter his presentation based on input.
As the years have passed and the Plymouth voyager went the way of all things, the occupants of my newer and smaller vehicle have changed. Tragically, Brother Norris Carey has transitioned to Omega chapter, and incident that occurred at the Portsmouth Regional convention which has left an aching void in our midst, so now Brothers Amos Street, Tony Cheatham, Alex Bailey and I are mostly the ones with whom I now ride. I have not noticed much diminution in alcohol consumption nor in the intensity of fraternal discussion. Father Time, though, I believe, is quietly taking his toll and while our brotherhood has not waned in camaraderie and interest we have gradually become a more sedate group of elders.
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Contact us at ads@mulambda.org
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BROTHER
MALCOLM CARTER 6-B-87
OWNER & FRANCHISEE Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s
Pizza-2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, 20747 - 301-568-8883. Pizza-6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 - 301-333-5900. Pizza-4269 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-839-0330. Pizza-6426 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-449-3030. Pizza-9509 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD - 301-248-3030. Pizza-10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD - 410-286-0700. Pizza-14604 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-952-1133. Pizza-9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-599-4100.
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Everything Co-op, is a radio show that airs on WOL, Radio One’s premiere talk show station out of Washington, DC. The show features people who have influenced or participated in the advancement of the cooperative business model to change lives.
Hosted by Brother Vernon Oakes Listen every Thursday on WOL 1450AM or our website at http://everything.coop from 10:30am - 11am
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THE BORN ORIGINAL BRAND WWW.AKSTARAPPAREL.COM
Join the family and get 10% off A Mu Lambda Face Scarf Cover (use the code: JOIN) Purchase Link: https://www.akstarapparel.com/Mu-Lambda-Face-Scarf-Cover-p203836125
Owner: Brother Kenneth Williams
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Albert A. Williams
Realtor - D.C. & Maryland
EXIT First Realty 2139 Espey Court, Suite 1, Crofton, MD 21114 Bus: 301-352-8100 | Fax: 301-352-0700 | Cell: 202-210-1539 Email: aaaaAAwilliams@exitfirst.com
www.exitfirstrealty.com AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
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Please Contact Brother Matt Aaron for Your Financial Planning Needs Matt Aaron, CFP® Aaron Financial 908-548-2745 Matthew.aaron.jr@nm.com Website: Aaronfinancial.nm.com Matt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and the founder of Aaron Financial. Matt and his team provide a comprehensive financial planning experience to a diverse set of clients across the country. • • • • • • •
Budgeting Insurance Planning Investment Planning and Wealth Management Retirement Planning Education Planning Estate Planning Business & Employee Benefits
Matt holds a BBA from Howard University and has earned both a certificate in financial planning from Georgetown University and the prestigious CFP ® designation. Matt is a national spokesperson for the Certified Financial Planning Board.
Prostate Cancer a Family Affair Many of you are aware that I am a prostate cancer survivor. I know some of you have also traveled the journey. I was diagnosed and treated in 2016 and remain cancerfree. Thankfully my doctors caught it early before it had the opportunity to spread. I was vigilant well before my diagnosis with regular checkups mainly because my dad and uncle had previously been diagnosed. As men, and as black men in particular, we tend to wait much longer than we should to see the doctor. We all know brothers who have health challenges but put off making a call to the doctor. But cancer doesn’t wait.
My dad and I share our journey in our new book, Survivors’ Stories, Prostate Cancer, A Family Affair. Get more information on our journey and purchase the book at www.derrickbutts.com and then let’s talk. Speaking Engagements – I would be more than happy to schedule time to talk with your church, Men’s/Health group, and/or organization about being proactive with your prostate health and to share my journey. Please have them email me at info@derrickbutts. com to begin the discussion. Thank you Brothers for your support! Brother Derrick Butts
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here This official Mu Lambda Chapter App is for members of the chapter to find out about our events, chat with Chapter members, View Chapter Documents, View Chapter Directory, View our monthly magazine (The Torch) Pay Chapter Dues and much more. The ability to effectively communicate with Chapter members will help us continue to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.
Available for members only AUGUST 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
THE TORCH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Message from the Editor “… I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.” BRO. KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH torch@mulambda.org ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY... “THINK Alpha Phi Alpha, TALK Alpha Phi Alpha, PROMOTE Alpha Phi Alpha, and LABOR for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King Chapel at Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa, Oct. 15, 1962
“I’m frankly tired of marching. I’m tired of going to jail. Living every day under the threat of death, I feel discouraged every now and then and feel my work’s in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again,” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1968
Brother Henry L. Dickason, 5th General President
GOOD WILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE COMMITTEES SHOULD SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES AND PICTURES TO THE TORCH EDITOR 5 DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR EVENT. BROTHERS SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 31ST OF THE MONTH. ARTICLES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ARTICLES SUBMITTED ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING BY THE EDITOR. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Esprit de Fraternite Brothers, It is that time of year again. The fraternity’s fraternal year runs January 1st to December 31st. Mu Lambda’s 2019-2020 fraternal year runs September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The chapter does not meet during July and August. It is now time to pay your 2020-2021 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Ways to make payment: 1. 2. 3. 4.
You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page. Bring a check to the chapter meeting. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App Mail it to: Financial Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Alpha
is a life long commitment
An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served. A member’s duties should be: 1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life. 2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course. 3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein. 4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
